Welcome To My Website
My name is Ed Butler. Because of my intense and sincere desire to help our organization grow I am offering myself as a candidate for Commander of the Army of Tennessee. Growth includes total numbers, financial stability, community involvement, and development of each member’s service in the SCV.
I believe I have a number of experiences that qualify and enable me to fulfill the duties and to serve as the Commander of the Army of Tennessee. During my term as Commander of the Dillard-Judd Camp #1828 in Cookeville, Tennessee, camp membership continued to increase with 100% retention for two consecutive years. I directed fund raising activities to erect a $12,500 Monument in Cookeville City Cemetery. This Monument honors "THE GREATEST FIGHTING FORCE EVER ASSEMBLED," all Confederate Veterans. It was dedicated during our Division Reunion on April 24, 2004, the same day I was elected Commander of the Tennessee Division. I have served on the Tennessee Division Executive Council for eight years and served one term as Councilman of the Army of Tennessee. I am currently serving as Chairman of the Heritage Promotion Committee.
I recently read a book that contains a number of articles concerning various aspects of “The War.” History professors that educate our younger generation at Southern Colleges and Universities authored most of these articles. There were a few excellent articles in this book but most were so politically correct they did not even resemble “The Truth.” A few weeks back I was flipping channels one evening when I found a program that proclaimed the innocence of Tecumseh Billy and other Yankee war criminals. As this was shortly after my evening meal, I soon felt myself becoming nauseous and looked for better entertainment. I now regret that I did not watch the entire program so I would know just how much they distorted the truth. Gentlemen, we need to combat this violation of our Heritage.
I was greatly honored at the 2008 Reunion when our newly elected CIC asked me to write an article for “The Confederate Veteran.” It has been a labor of love and a memory I will treasure for life but I have asked myself many times, “am I making a difference?” While I have gotten many complimentary phone calls, e-mails, and two genuine hand written letters, I suspect these articles have for the most part, reached only our active members, the members that read our magazine.
Since I retired, I have spent many hours in my shop restoring or building furniture. Much of what I do is quite repetitive and requires little concentration. I also do a considerable amount of traveling. Both activities allow much time for thought.
One of life’s great mysteries is why so many of our members do not get involved in SCV activities. In a tie for being the greatest of mysteries is why so many good southern Christian men will not join our organization. I understand the fast pace lifestyle most of us lead, I have been there. I also know that something must awaken our interest and inspire us to take action. There is no substitute for “The Truth!” It was “The Truth” that spurred me to action and I strongly believe “The Truth” will inspire others.
The question is how do we learn “The Truth” and how do we get it in the hands of those members that are not involved? Members including our silent majority and the vast number of prospects living all across this country and around the world. We cannot depend on politically correct educators, the politically correct newspapers in many towns and cities, and the emperors of political correctness - the almighty television networks. Gentlemen, we must do a better job of educating our silent majority and the average citizens.
We have a tremendous pool of talented members. Many are extremely knowledgeable of “The War.” They are also excellent writers and are willing to put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard and share their vast knowledge with others. I am developing a plan that will distribute articles relating the honor and valor of our noble ancestors, “The Pure Unadulterated Truth,” to our members and to local newspapers and other outlets. I know from experience that many locally owned newspapers are constantly seeking new material of general interest. As the Sesquicentennial begins, articles concerning the War Between the States will be in greater demand than usual. We can utilize our Camp and Division newsletters and web sites to reach those “history deprived” members and citizens. We should utilize Facebook and Twitter; we need to reach the younger generation!
As I formulated this plan during the past several months, I realized the magnitude of this undertaking. I have begun assembling a team that can make it happen. I will be contacting many of you to play a role in this endeavor. Gentlemen, an informed member is an active member. An active member will take advantage of opportunities to participate in Sesquicentennial events, Youth Camps, and Camp, Division, Army, and National events! An active member is also much more likely to recruit and to renew his membership!
At National and Division Reunions I always enjoy talking to members from Camps across the Division and the Confederation. Very often a conversation leads to the problem of money. I have some ideas on how Divisions and Camps can generate additional funds. As a past member of the GEC I realize the importance of what that body does but very little of that business actually benefits Camps. Growth only occurs at the Camp level. The GEC must look for ways to help our Camps grow!
It is my intense and sincere desire to do my part that compels me to run for the office of Commander of the Army of Tennessee. We not only can do a better job of recruiting, retaining, and relating, we “must” do better! I have only my personal experiences upon which to base an estimate of the percent of members that get involved in our organization at any level. The exact percentage cannot be calculated very accurately and really is not important. What is important? Increasing that percentage! Gentlemen, we can grow by educating ourselves and the citizens of our towns and communities.
I believe I have a number of experiences that qualify and enable me to fulfill the duties and to serve as the Commander of the Army of Tennessee. During my term as Commander of the Dillard-Judd Camp #1828 in Cookeville, Tennessee, camp membership continued to increase with 100% retention for two consecutive years. I directed fund raising activities to erect a $12,500 Monument in Cookeville City Cemetery. This Monument honors "THE GREATEST FIGHTING FORCE EVER ASSEMBLED," all Confederate Veterans. It was dedicated during our Division Reunion on April 24, 2004, the same day I was elected Commander of the Tennessee Division. I have served on the Tennessee Division Executive Council for eight years and served one term as Councilman of the Army of Tennessee. I am currently serving as Chairman of the Heritage Promotion Committee.
I recently read a book that contains a number of articles concerning various aspects of “The War.” History professors that educate our younger generation at Southern Colleges and Universities authored most of these articles. There were a few excellent articles in this book but most were so politically correct they did not even resemble “The Truth.” A few weeks back I was flipping channels one evening when I found a program that proclaimed the innocence of Tecumseh Billy and other Yankee war criminals. As this was shortly after my evening meal, I soon felt myself becoming nauseous and looked for better entertainment. I now regret that I did not watch the entire program so I would know just how much they distorted the truth. Gentlemen, we need to combat this violation of our Heritage.
I was greatly honored at the 2008 Reunion when our newly elected CIC asked me to write an article for “The Confederate Veteran.” It has been a labor of love and a memory I will treasure for life but I have asked myself many times, “am I making a difference?” While I have gotten many complimentary phone calls, e-mails, and two genuine hand written letters, I suspect these articles have for the most part, reached only our active members, the members that read our magazine.
Since I retired, I have spent many hours in my shop restoring or building furniture. Much of what I do is quite repetitive and requires little concentration. I also do a considerable amount of traveling. Both activities allow much time for thought.
One of life’s great mysteries is why so many of our members do not get involved in SCV activities. In a tie for being the greatest of mysteries is why so many good southern Christian men will not join our organization. I understand the fast pace lifestyle most of us lead, I have been there. I also know that something must awaken our interest and inspire us to take action. There is no substitute for “The Truth!” It was “The Truth” that spurred me to action and I strongly believe “The Truth” will inspire others.
The question is how do we learn “The Truth” and how do we get it in the hands of those members that are not involved? Members including our silent majority and the vast number of prospects living all across this country and around the world. We cannot depend on politically correct educators, the politically correct newspapers in many towns and cities, and the emperors of political correctness - the almighty television networks. Gentlemen, we must do a better job of educating our silent majority and the average citizens.
We have a tremendous pool of talented members. Many are extremely knowledgeable of “The War.” They are also excellent writers and are willing to put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard and share their vast knowledge with others. I am developing a plan that will distribute articles relating the honor and valor of our noble ancestors, “The Pure Unadulterated Truth,” to our members and to local newspapers and other outlets. I know from experience that many locally owned newspapers are constantly seeking new material of general interest. As the Sesquicentennial begins, articles concerning the War Between the States will be in greater demand than usual. We can utilize our Camp and Division newsletters and web sites to reach those “history deprived” members and citizens. We should utilize Facebook and Twitter; we need to reach the younger generation!
As I formulated this plan during the past several months, I realized the magnitude of this undertaking. I have begun assembling a team that can make it happen. I will be contacting many of you to play a role in this endeavor. Gentlemen, an informed member is an active member. An active member will take advantage of opportunities to participate in Sesquicentennial events, Youth Camps, and Camp, Division, Army, and National events! An active member is also much more likely to recruit and to renew his membership!
At National and Division Reunions I always enjoy talking to members from Camps across the Division and the Confederation. Very often a conversation leads to the problem of money. I have some ideas on how Divisions and Camps can generate additional funds. As a past member of the GEC I realize the importance of what that body does but very little of that business actually benefits Camps. Growth only occurs at the Camp level. The GEC must look for ways to help our Camps grow!
It is my intense and sincere desire to do my part that compels me to run for the office of Commander of the Army of Tennessee. We not only can do a better job of recruiting, retaining, and relating, we “must” do better! I have only my personal experiences upon which to base an estimate of the percent of members that get involved in our organization at any level. The exact percentage cannot be calculated very accurately and really is not important. What is important? Increasing that percentage! Gentlemen, we can grow by educating ourselves and the citizens of our towns and communities.
Let's Grow,
Edward McNatt (Ed) Butler
cell # 931-544-2002
email:edbutlerscv@yahoo.com
3575 Vista Circle
Cookeville, Tennessee 38506
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Edward McNatt (Ed) Butler
cell # 931-544-2002
email:edbutlerscv@yahoo.com
3575 Vista Circle
Cookeville, Tennessee 38506
BACK TO TOP